Thermally improved window frame and sash

ABSTRACT

A thermally-improved metal framework window of the type which may have movable window sashes, wherein the window framework and the sash frame are of metal, such as of aluminum, having portions of sinuous cross-sectional shape extending between the inside and the outside of the window, which sinuous portions substantially lengthen the path of heat flow between the inside and outside and thereby attenuate or &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;choke&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; heat flow through the window. The window sashes comprise dual pane units separated by an insulating layer of carbon dioxide gas for enhanced thermal efficiency, the dual panes of each window sash being supported in spaced, parallel relation by a peripheral spacer rod assembly containing pre-filled tubes of a granular desiccant telescopingly fitted in the spacer rods upon assembly of the window sashes.

United States Patent Mitchell 1 July 29, 1975 [541 THERMALLY IMPROVED WINDOW FRAME AND SASH Primary Examinerl(enneth Downey [75] Inventor: Henry W. Mitchell, Miami, Fla. Anomey Agent or FlrmfEmest Schmidt [73] Assignee: Crossley Window Co., Inc., Miami, [57] ABSTRACT A thermally-improved metal framework window of the [22] Ffledz No 30, 973 type which may have movable window sashes, wherein Appl. No.: 420,606

the window framework and the sash frame are of metal, such as of aluminum, having portions of sinuous cross-sectional shape extending between the inside and the outside of the window, which sinuous portions substantially lengthen the path of heat flow between the inside and outside and thereby attenuate or choke heat flow through the window. The window sashes comprise dual pane units separated by an insulating layer of carbon dioxide gas for enhanced thermal efficiency, the dual panes of each window sash being supported in spaced, parallel relation by a peripheral spacer rod assembly containing pre-filled tubes of a granular desiccant telescopingly fitted in the spacer rods upon assembly of the window sashes.

11 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED JUL 2 9 I975 SHEET THERMALLY IMPROVED WINDOW FRAME AND SASI-I This invention relates to metal window or door frames, such as of aluminum, and is directed particularly to improvements in the method and means of controlling heat losses through the conductive aluminum frame, sash and glass.

Heretofore, in the manufacture of metal frame windows or doors, various improvements have been made to reduce the thermal conductivity of the window panes and thereby reduce heat loss and moisture condensation on the inside of the window at low outside temperatures. Such improvements in the thermal insulation of the window panes, however, have been offset and reduced to comparative insignificance by the magnitude of heat flow from the warm interior of a room through the highly conductive aluminum window frame structure to the outside, particularly at near zero and sub-zero outside temperatures, when the exposed window frame at the inside of the room readily reaches the dew point. As a result, moisture accumulates as condensate on the interior exposed metal of the frame which, if outside temperatures are cold enough, will turn to ice between the window sashes, rendering the window inoperable. This ice, moreover, has an insulating effect which tends to reduce outward heat flow through the window frame, thereby resulting in even cooler temperatures of the frame at the inside which, in turn, still further accelerates dew-pointing with attendent enhanced accumulation of ice and water. Ordinarily, although ice may form along intermediate portions of the window frame, the inner trim portions of the window frame, being directly exposed to the relatively warm air at the inside of the room, should not reach freezing temperature, and condensate water may therefore flow down and outwardly of the frame to cause damage to the window support structure or framing and adjacent portions of the room wall and flooring. Moreover, even when thermally insulated window panes, such as double pane units, are used, the relatively cold peripheral framework operates as a heat sink, chilling marginal portions of the window pane units to such an extent that dew-pointing occurs with attendent condensation or frosting obscuring vision through the window.

Various attempts have heretofore been made to reduce the heat flow through aluminum window frames to obviate the above-described deficiencies in window or door frames heretofore devised, none of which have proven to be satisfactory for use in colder climates. Principal among such prior improvements have been composite frames comprising inner and outer frame portions joined by non-metallic spacers of somewhat lower conductivity, such as of a synthetic plastic material. Such composite frames, however, in addition to being comparatively expensive to manufacture, although somewhat effective are not able to attenuate heat flow sufficiently to prevent dew-pointing at lower temperature extremes. In attempts to reduce heat loss to satisfactory values, if the synthetic plastic spacer were made of a synthetic plastic material having very low conductivity, or of relatively thin cross-section, the structural rigidity of the composite window frame was reduced to unacceptable values.

It is, accordingly, the principal object of this invention to provide a novel and improved window frame or door frame that obviates the above-described deficiencies of metal section frames heretofore devised by the provision of a heat choke mechanism, integrallyfabricated in the frame structure, which reduces heat flow or leakage to an acceptable heat loss sufficient only to prevent the formation of water condensate at the inside under severe cold weather conditions at the outside of the building.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide an improved window or door section of the character described wherein the window or door frame heat choke mechanism comprises the provision, along the vertical and horizontal members, i.e. the stiles, header and sill, of the window or door framework, intermediate the insides and outsides thereof, of integrally formed zones of sinuous or accordian-like cross-section which serve to substantially lengthen the path of heat flow between the inside to the outside without loss of essential rigidity in the framework, thereby effecting substantial attenuation of heat flow to the outside to a value sufficient to prevent condensation or frosting at inside portions of the frame and window pane, even under severe cold outside weather conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved window or door frame of the above nature which can readily be fabricated of extruded or formed aluminum parts for economically competitive manufacture as compared with similar aluminum frames heretofore produced.

Still another object of the invention is to provide improved door or window frame including low conductivity condensation barrier strips applied over interior finish surfaces of the window frame to further inhibit condensate formation under extreme conditions of high room humidity and low outside temperatures.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide, for use in thermally-improved window of the character above described, an insulated glass unit wherein carbon dioxide is used as the insulating gas for improved thermal insulation.

Still another object of the invention is to provide, in an insulated glass unit, an improved method and means for encapsulating, in peripheral spacer members, a granular desiccant for the absorption of residual moisture on the interior surfaces of the glass panes upon their assembly into dual-unit windows, to minimize any possibility of interior condensate fogging when subjected to sub-zero temperatures.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

FIG. I is an inside elevational view ofa typical aluminum framework, horizontally-sliding window sash assembly embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line 22 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows, illustrating constructional details;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows, further illustrating constructional details of the window assembly;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a corner portion of the combined desiccant and spacer rods used in the fabrication of dualpane, thermally-insulated windows comprising the invention; and

FIG. 5 is an end view, on an enlarged scale, of an assembled combination desiccant and spacer rod comprising the separating mechanism for the dualpane, thermally-insulated windows embodying the invention.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, reference numeral in FIG. 1 designates, generally, a sliding-sash window assembly embodying the invention,the same being comprised of a window frame 11 and window sashes 12a and 12b horizontally slidably arranged in said window frame, as is hereinafter described.

The window frame 11, which is preferably fabricated of extruded aluminum parts, comprises a window frame header member 13, (see FIG. 3) a window frame sill assembly 14 (see FIG. 3) and jamb or stile members 15 and 16, respectively (see FIG. 2).

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the jamb members 15, 16 each comprise a side wall portion 17 which is sinuous in cross-section as defined by alternate, substan tially rectangular projections 18a, 18b directed out wardly of each side of and co-extensive with the length of said jamb members. Each side wall portion 17 is also integrally formed, at the inside of the frame, with a flat interior trim or framing portion 19. The jamb members 15 and 16 are also integrally formed with central, outwardly-extending mounting fins or legs 20, coextensive with said jam members, and centrallylocated, inwardly-directed co-extensive guide rail portions 21 integrally formed with reversely-bent rail portions 22. The outer ends of the jamb member sidewall portions 17 are integrally formed with exterior trim portions 23 directly opposite their respective interior trim portions 19.

The window frame header member 13, as is best illustrated in FIG. .3, is similar in structure to that of the jamb members 15 and 16, also being of extruded aluminum and comprising a sinuous sidewall portion 24 defined by alternate projections 25a, 25b, a flat interior trim portion 26, a central, outwardly-extending leg or fin portion 27, an inwardly-directed guide rail 28 having a reversely-bent guide rail portion 29, and an exterior trim portion 29a directly opposite said interior trim portion 26. In addition, the sidewall portion 24 is integrally formed, along the inside thereof, with a pair of spaced, co-extensive projections 30, 31 having arcuate grooves 300 and 31a therealong, respectively, for the reception of self-tapping screws in the assembly of the jamb members 15 and 16 thereto, as is common in the assembly of extruded aluminum window frames.

The frame sill receptor member 14 comprises a sinuous sill cap portion 32 defined by co extensive, alternate, substantially rectangular projections 33a, 33b directed outwardly of each side, a substantially central, inwardly-directed, co-extensive rail portion 34 integrally formed with a reversely bent rail portion 35, and an exterior trim portion 36. The sill cap portion 32 is also integrally formed with a pair of inwardly-directed, intermediately-spaced, roller rail projections 37, 38, comparatively short with respect to the exterior trim portion 36 and the rail portion 34, whichserve as roller tracks for the horizontally movable window sashes 12a, l2b as is hereinbelow more particularly described. The frame sill assembly member 14 is further comprised of a sill bottom portion 39, also sinuous in cross-sectional configuration, the inner end of which is integrally formed with an upstanding front wall portion 40, an upper marginal end portion of which is inter-fittingly received within the innermost downwardly-extending groove defined by the innermost projection 33b of the sill cap portion 32. integrally formed in outwardlyspaced relation with respect to the upstanding front wall portion 40 is a co-extensive, flat, interior trim portion 42 having a short, co-extensive, inwardly-directed projection 43 adapted to snap-fit over the inner end of the sill cap portion 32 to retain the two framework sill parts in assembled relation. The sill bottom portion 39 of the framework sill receptor member 14 is further integrally formed, centrally along its width. with an outwardly-extending mounting leg portion 44 and, along its outer end, with an outwardly and upwardlyextending outside wall portion 45 the upper end of which is provided with an inwardly-offset portion 46 along its length for inter-fitting reception within the downwardly-directed recess defined by the outermost projection 33b of the sill cap portion 32. The composite sill receptor member 14 is also integrally formed along its length at the outside with a pair of co-extensive, arcuate openings 48, 49 the ends of which provide attachment means for self-tapping screws in the assembly thereof of the stile members 15 and 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the glass units in sashes 12a, 12b are of the thermally-insulating, doublepane type, comprising inner and outer panes 50, 51, respectively, separated by marginal interior spacer rod assemblies 53. Each of the horizontal and vertical spacer members 53 comprises an outer tube 54 which is substantially semi-circular in cross-section along one side, as indicated at 55, which semi-circular portion merges into short, spaced, parallel wall portions 56, 57 the outer ends of which merge with a substantially flat bridging wall portion 58. The side-wall portions 56, 57, at their outer ends, are also integrally formed with opposed, angularly outwardly-extending, tapered, resilient fin portions 59, 60 respectively, for the purpose hereinafter appearing. The outer tubes 54 are of uniform cross-section along their length and will preferably be fabricated by extrusion of a tough synthetic plastic material. The use of plastic instead of aluminum for this purpose substantially reduces the possiblity of dewpoint fog on the interior face of the window adjacent the spacer.

' The outer tubes 54 of the vertical spacer members 53 not only serve as the peripheral spacing means for the dual window panes 50, 51 but also serve as containers for the granular desiccant utilized to absorb substantially all of the residual moisture between the panes upon their assembly to prevent interior fogging upon subsequent use of the window. However, in order to keep the desiccant as dry as possible during its assembly to the outer tubes upon assembly and sealing of the double pane unit, substantially rigid tubes 61, preferably of thin-walled metal tubing, such as of steel or alu minum, for example, are prefilled and plugged with a granular desiccant 62 and dried in a low humidity heat,

chamber at an appropriate temperature until needed for assembly. Upon assembly, the dry dessicant-filled tubes 61 will be telescoped in place within the outer tubes 54 of proper length for the double-pane window to be assembled. As illustrated in FIG. 4, right-angular synthetic corner plug members 63, the legs of which are of such size as to be received in press-fitted inter relation within the ends of adjacent corner tubes 54, retain said spacer member 53 in rectangular assembled relation. As soon as the dessicant'containing spacer assembly is peripherally sandwiched between the dual window panes 50, 51, the outer edges of the assembly will be spread with a sealant cement having elastomer or bonding characteristics, for example of Butyl or Thiokol (polysulfide), indicated at 64 in FIGS. 2 and 3, which serves to hermetically seal the interior chamber defined by the window panes 50, 51.

An important feature of the invention resides in the use of carbon dioxide instead of air as the insulating medium sandwiched between the dual window panes 50, 51. Because the specific conductivity of gaseous carbon dioxide is substantially less than that of air, the insulating efficiency of the dual window pane is thereby greatly increased. After assembly and hermetically sealing the dual window panes as described above, the incapsulated air can be replaced with carbon dioxide by the use of hypodermic needles forced through the spacing mechanism, at opposite corners of the dual window pane for example, while supporting it vertically, and then injecting the relatively heavy carbon dioxide gas at low pressure through the lower needle while the displaced air flows outwardly of the upper needle. When the substitution has been completed, the hollow needles will be withdrawn and the remaining apertures will imediately be sealed again with the sealant cement. As an alternative method of charging the dual pane windows with carbon dioxide, a small piece of dry ice can be placed between the panes while the spacing members are being assembled and before the sealant is applied. As soon thereafter as the sealant is applied, a hypodermic needle will be inserted through the spacing mechanism to allow for the escape of air at the upper end of the dual pane assembly, whereupon, as the dry ice sublimates at room temperature, the gaseous car bon dioxide will displace the air being discahrged through the hypodermic needle. Since the change in volume of dry ice from the solid state to gaseous state is approximately 1 to 900, only a small amount of the dry ice is necessary to fully charge the dual-pane window with gaseous carbon dioxide.

It will be understood that the vertical spacer members 53, being substantially open at their ends where they are joined by the corner plug members 63, provide for sufficient access to the encapsulated gas for operation of the contained granular dessicant 62 in absorbing substantially all of the residual moisture that may be trapped on and between the inner surfaces of the window panes.

The opposed fin portions 59, 60 of the outer tubes 54 comprising the horizontal and vertical spacer members 53 are quite flexible, and upon assembly to the window as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, serve as shapeconforming fillets which enhance the peripheral sealing action between said spacer members and the interior marginal portions of their respective frames.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the window sashes 12a, 12b comprise supporting frameworks 65, 65a, respectively, peripherally surrounding the assembled dual window frames. Each of the supporting frameworks 65, 650 comprises marginally-peripheral cap strips 66 of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, which are preferably extruded of a tough synthetic plastic material. Fitted over the opposite side walls of the cap strips 66 in close-fitting straddling relation are upper and lower framework channel members 67, 68 and side channel members 69, 70 (sash 12a in FIGS. 2 and 3), comprising the outer metal framework of said sash. In this connection it will be understood that the cap strips 66 serve as thermal barriers between the dual window pane assembly and the surrounding and supporting metal framework thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper and lower framework members 67, 68 are of extruded metal, preferably aluminum, and of uniform cross-sectional shape along their lengths. The upper sash framework channel member 67 is integrally formed with a transverse bridging or web wall 70, which is of sinuoi cross-sectional shape from side to side, and which is formed along its length with a semicircular projection 72 defining a central, co-extensive recess 73, arcuate in cross-section, for the purpose hereinafter appearing. The opposite legs of the channel-shaped upper sash frame member 67 are also integrally formed with opposed, upstanding projections 74, 75 defining at their outsides co-extensive recesses within which are received co-extensive weather strip members 76, 77. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the weather strip members 76, 77 abut opposed inner wall portions of the guide rail portion 28 and the interior trim portion 29a of the window frame header sealer l3, respectively, to slidingly seal the sash 12a at the upper end thereof.

The lower framework member 78 differs from the upper framework 67 described above in that the opposite legs of the channel-shaped lower sash frame member 68 are integrally-formed with comparatively deep, downwardly-extending projections 79, 79a defining, at their outsides, co-extensive recesses within which are received co-extensive weather strip members 80, 81. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the weather strip members 80, 81 abut opposed inner wall portions of the exterior trim portion 36 of the frame sill receptor member 14 and the rectangular projection 33a of the sinuous sill cap portion 32, respectively, to slidingly seal the sash 12a along the lower end thereof. Roller wheels 82 journalled between the downwardly-extending projections 79, 79a at each end thereof, (only one illustrated in FIG. 3), ride on the roller raii projection 37, to provide for the rolling movement of the sash 12a from side-toside in the window frame.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, side channel members 69, 70 are of substantially the same construction as that of the upper framework channel member 67, described above, with the exception of not having the semicircular projection 72 of said upper channel member. Also, the framework side channel member '70 is similar in construction to the side channel member 69, but is further formed with an angular outwardly-extending projection 83 along its length, for co-operative interhooking engagement with a complementary projection 84 forming part of the framework side channel member 85 of the window sash 12b. The side channel member 85 is also integrally formed along its length with an outwardly-extending projection 86, which serves as a handle for slidingly and rollingly moving the sash 12b back and forth in the window frame. The sash 12b is otherwise of similar construction to the sash 12a described above, the salient features of both sashes residing in the sinuous cross-sectional shape from the inside to the outside of all of the web wall portions of their peripheral supporting framework 65, 65a respectively, which serves as heat chokes inhibiting thermal flow through the window.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the provision of low conductivity condensation barrier strips for assembly over the interior finish surfaces of the window frame to further inhibit condensate forma tion under extreme conditions of high room humidity and low outside temperatures. To this end, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 horizontal barrier strips 87, 88 and vertical barrier strips 89 and 90 are provided, being removably attached to the interior trim portions 26, 42, 119 and 39, respectively, of the window frame M. The barrier strips 87, $8, 89 and 90 will preferably be cut from extruded lengths of a tough synthetic plastic material which is channel-shaped in cross-section, as illustrated in PEG. 3, and comprises a flat, web-wall portion 91 and comparatively short, opposed, rightangular leg portions 92., 93. The insides of the barrier strips are formed along their lengths with recesses adapted to interhooltingly engage over respective marginal edge portions along the associated interior trim portions of the window frame, such as the interior trim portion 26 of the window frame sill member 114 illustrated in H6. 3. in addition to inhibiting condensate formation on the peripheral trim surrounding the inside of the window frame due to the insulation thereof afforded by the comparatively low-conductivity plastic material of the barrier strips, the vertical flue-like chambers defined by the barrier strips fitted on the vertical trim portions at the insides of the window frame act as conversion current conduits circulating comparatively warm air from the interior of the room over the window trim surfaces. Such vertical flow of convected air within the vertical barrier strips, which, in practice, has been found to move at high velocities, also induces substantial horizontal air flow through the horizontal barrier strips 87, b8, the combined effect of which is to further inhibit condensate formation even under the most extreme conditions of high room humidity and low outside temperatures.

Another advantage in the use of the window surrounding barrier strips is that they can be provided in decorator colors to complement the decor of the room in which the windows are installed.

Referring to Fit}. l, the window sash 12a of the window assembly illustrated therein will also preferably be provided with a lock, indicated, generally, at an and a handle 9-5 for locking the windows in closed position in their frame, and for facilitating independent sliding movement of the window sash llZa.

While I have illustrated and described herein only one form in which my invention can conveniently be embodied in practice, it is to be understood that this form is given by way of example only and not in a limiting sense. The invention, in brief, comprises all the embodiments and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

What l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

ll. A. thermally-improved window or door comprising, in combination, a frame, a window sash supported in said frame, said frame being of extruded metal and comprising an upper header member, a relatively spaced, parallel lower sill member, and a pair of spaced parallel stile members interjoining the ends of said header and said sill members, said header, sill and stile members each being of uniform cross-sectional shape along their lengths, the cross-sectional shapes of each of said header, siii and stiie members being of such sinuous configuration as to define a plurality of projections projecting outwardly to each side, alternately, in accordion-like fashion, whereby the path of conductive heat flowing through the metal of said frame between the inside and outside thereof will be substantially different from the absolute distance between the inside and the outside of said window frame.

2. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, wherein said header,sill and stile members are provided with flat, elongate, interior trim portions having outer surface portions lying in a substantially common plane at the inside of the window frame.

3. A. thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 2, including a plurality of synthetic plastic barrier strip members, of shallow U-shape in cross-section, one for each of said header, sill and stile members, means for removably attaching said barrier strip members to the interior trim portions of their respective header, sill and stile members to define conduit chambers therebetween for the flow of air,.the through flow of air being convected through said conduit chambers from lower end portions to upper end portions of the frame.

4. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 2, wherein said barrier strip members are formed with opposed, rightangular leg portions the outer ends of which are provided with opposed, co extensive recesses, said means for removably attaching said barrier strip members to their respective header, sill and stile members being comprised of said recesses, said barrier strips being transversely flexible to permit interhooking engagement within said recesses of opposite marginal edge portions along the respective trim portions.

5. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, wherein said window sash comprises a pair of window panes of equal size, means for retaining said window panes in spaced, parallel relation, and supporting framework peripherally surrounding said spaced parallel window panes, means for hermetically sealing the interior space defined by said spaced, parallel. window panes, said retaining means comprising a plurality of elongated spacer rod assemblies disposed between marginal inner surface portions of said window panes, each of said spacer rods comprising an outer tube and an inner tube telescopingly received within said outer tube, and a quantity ofa granular desiccant within each of said inner tubes, whereby said outer tubes can readily be charged with the dry desicant just prior to assembly of the window sash to minimize hygroscopic absorption of said desiccant prior to its being incorporated in the hermetically sealed window sash.

6. A thermally-improved .window or door as defined in claim 5, wherein said outer tubes are of a tough, synthetic plastic material, and wherein said inner tubes are of thin-walled metal.

"7. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 6, wherein said outer tubes are formed along one side so as to afford a secure bond with sealing means, said portions merging into opposed, short, spaced, parallel, side wall portions, the outer ends of said side wall portions merging with a substantially flat, perpendicularly-extending bridging wall portion, said side wall portions at their outer ends and at their outsides being integrally formed with opposed, angularlyoutwardly-extending, tapered, resilient fin portions, which inhibit hydrocarbon-vapor migration from the sealing agent. i

b. A thermally-improved window, or door as defined in claim ll, wherein said sash comprises an assembly of rectangular window panes of equal size, means for retaining said window panes in spaced, parallel aligned relation, a supporting framework peripherallysurrounding said spaced, parallel window panes, said supporting framework comprising a peripheral cap strip of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration fitted over marginal outer edge portions along each edge of said spaced parallel window panes, said cap strips being fabricated of a synthetic plastic material, a framework channel member of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration fitted over and along each of said cap strips in clamping relation with respect thereto, said framework channel members each comprising a web-wall portion extending from side-to-side between said window panes, said web portions each being of sinuous crosssectional shape.

9. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of said window sashes supported in said frame, each of said sashes comprising a single window pane.

10. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of said window sashes supported in said frame, each of said sashes comprising a pair of spaced parallel window panes for enhanced thermal insulation.

11. A thermally-improved window or door comprising, in combination, a frame, a window sash supported in said frame, said window sash comprising a pair of window panes of equal size, means for retaining said window panes in spaced, parallel relation, a supporting framework peripherally surrounding said spaced, parallel window panes, means for hermetically sealing the interior space defined by said spaced, parallel, window panes, a charge of carbon dioxide gas within said space, said frame being of extruded metal and comprising an upper header member, a relatively spaced, parallel lower sill member, and a pair of spaced parallel stile members interjoining the ends of said header and said sill members, said header, sill and stile members each being of uniform crosssectional shape along their lengths, the cross-sectional shapes of each of said header, sill and stile members being of such sinuous configuration as to define a plurality of projections outwardly to each side, alternately, in accordion-like fashion, whereby the path of conductive heat flowing through the metal of said frame between the inside and outside thereof will be substantially different from the absolute distance between the inside and the outside of said window frame. 

1. A thermally-improved window or door comprising, in combination, a frame, a window sash supported in said frame, said frame being of extruded metal and comprising an upper header member, a relatively spaced, parallel lower sill member, and a pair of spaced parallel stile members interjoining the ends of said header and said sill members, said header, sill and stile members each being of uniform cross-sectional shape along their lengths, the cross-sectional shapes of each of said header, sill and stile members being of such sinuous configuration as to define a plurality of projections projecting outwardly to each side, alternately, in accordion-like fashion, whereby the path of conductive heat flowing through the metal of said frame between the inside and outside thereof will be substantially different from the absolute distance between the inside and the outside of said window frame.
 2. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, wherein said header, sill and stile members are provided with flat, elongate, interior trim portions having outer surface portions lying in a substantially common plane at the inside of the window frame.
 3. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 2, including a plurality of synthetic plastic barrier strip members, of shallow U-shape in cross-section, one for each of said header, sill and stile members, means for removably attaching said barrier strip members to the interior trim portions of their respective header, sill and stile members to define conduit chambers therebetween for the flow of air, the through flow of air being convected through said conduit chambers from lower end portions to upper end portions of the frame.
 4. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 2, wherein said barrier strip members are formed with opposed, rightangular leg portions the outer ends of which are provided with opposed, co-extensive recesses, said means for removably attaching said barrier strip members to their respective header, sill and stile members being comprised of said recesses, said barrier strips being transversely flexible to permit interhooking engagement within said recesses of opposite marginal edge portions along the respective trim portions.
 5. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, wherein said window sash comprises a pair of window panes of equal size, means for retaining said window panes in spaced, parallel relation, and supporting framework peripherally surrounding said spaced parallel window panes, means for hermetically sealing the interior space defined by said spaced, parallel, window panes, said retaining means comprising a plurality of elongated spacer rod assemblies disposed between marginal inner surface portions of said window panes, each of said spacer rods comprising an outer tube and an inner tube telescopingly receiveD within said outer tube, and a quantity of a granular desiccant within each of said inner tubes, whereby said outer tubes can readily be charged with the dry desicant just prior to assembly of the window sash to minimize hygroscopic absorption of said desiccant prior to its being incorporated in the hermetically sealed window sash.
 6. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 5, wherein said outer tubes are of a tough, synthetic plastic material, and wherein said inner tubes are of thin-walled metal.
 7. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 6, wherein said outer tubes are formed along one side so as to afford a secure bond with sealing means, said portions merging into opposed, short, spaced, parallel, side wall portions, the outer ends of said side wall portions merging with a substantially flat, perpendicularly-extending bridging wall portion, said side wall portions at their outer ends and at their outsides being integrally formed with opposed, angularly-outwardly-extending, tapered, resilient fin portions, which inhibit hydro-carbon vapor migration from the sealing agent.
 8. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, wherein said sash comprises an assembly of rectangular window panes of equal size, means for retaining said window panes in spaced, parallel aligned relation, a supporting framework peripherally-surrounding said spaced, parallel window panes, said supporting framework comprising a peripheral cap strip of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration fitted over marginal outer edge portions along each edge of said spaced parallel window panes, said cap strips being fabricated of a synthetic plastic material, a framework channel member of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration fitted over and along each of said cap strips in clamping relation with respect thereto, said framework channel members each comprising a web-wall portion extending from side-to-side between said window panes, said web portions each being of sinuous cross-sectional shape.
 9. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of said window sashes supported in said frame, each of said sashes comprising a single window pane.
 10. A thermally-improved window or door as defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of said window sashes supported in said frame, each of said sashes comprising a pair of spaced parallel window panes for enhanced thermal insulation.
 11. A thermally-improved window or door comprising, in combination, a frame, a window sash supported in said frame, said window sash comprising a pair of window panes of equal size, means for retaining said window panes in spaced, parallel relation, a supporting framework peripherally surrounding said spaced, parallel window panes, means for hermetically sealing the interior space defined by said spaced, parallel, window panes, a charge of carbon dioxide gas within said space, said frame being of extruded metal and comprising an upper header member, a relatively spaced, parallel lower sill member, and a pair of spaced parallel stile members interjoining the ends of said header and said sill members, said header, sill and stile members each being of uniform cross-sectional shape along their lengths, the cross-sectional shapes of each of said header, sill and stile members being of such sinuous configuration as to define a plurality of projections outwardly to each side, alternately, in accordion-like fashion, whereby the path of conductive heat flowing through the metal of said frame between the inside and outside thereof will be substantially different from the absolute distance between the inside and the outside of said window frame. 